V.R. Cumming's Blog, page 9
August 28, 2014
Teasers and other happenstances
So, y'all have probably figured out by now that I'm not much one for posting on the blog. Truthfully, it's usually due to a lack of time. In addition to bundling The Vampire's Pet into one e-book and getting a print edition ready, I've been snooping around on Shutterstock and creating teasers for promotions, one of which (below) appears on the Facebook page.
Speaking of Facebook, if you drop by today, you can hear a song about puppy piglets. Yes, really. Would I kid about that?
Anyway, one of the other things I'm working on in my spare time (ha ha) is creating character profiles of the main characters among the Vampyr. That's sort of where the teasers come in. Actually, they're what started the whole thing. So, keep an eye out for more teasers and profiles in the next few weeks. In the meantime, here's a quote from Eric about Jason. Enjoy!
Speaking of Facebook, if you drop by today, you can hear a song about puppy piglets. Yes, really. Would I kid about that?
Anyway, one of the other things I'm working on in my spare time (ha ha) is creating character profiles of the main characters among the Vampyr. That's sort of where the teasers come in. Actually, they're what started the whole thing. So, keep an eye out for more teasers and profiles in the next few weeks. In the meantime, here's a quote from Eric about Jason. Enjoy!
August 26, 2014
Visit me on Facebook!
So, crazy me, I started a Facebook page in the hopes of being able to interact with readers. This week is Jason week, so drop by, check out the cool meme of Jason (hubba, hubba), and snicker at the slice of life moment about my son. (Yes, it's ok to laugh. We don't mind.) If you just want to ogle Jason, that's fine. I mean, really, he's very ogle-worthy. But, if you want to chat or comment, feel free to. I'm always happy to hear from readers.
August 23, 2014
Free Chapter for Newsletter Subscribers
A gentle reminder that if you've subscribed to my newsletter (which I also refer to as my new releases mailing list, since that's the only time it goes out), the one sent out yesterday contained the entire first chapter of The New Vampire, Episode 1: The Awakening, due out next month. After you finish reading The Vampire's Pet, Episode 6: Broken, don't forget to go back to the newsletter and read that chapter for a quick taste of things yet to come.
The New Vampire is told from Gianna's point of view. No idea where it's going yet. No, that's not right. I know the ending. I just don't know how the story will get there, but that's half the fun of writing.
Would anyone be interested in a story from Jason's point of view?
The New Vampire is told from Gianna's point of view. No idea where it's going yet. No, that's not right. I know the ending. I just don't know how the story will get there, but that's half the fun of writing.
Would anyone be interested in a story from Jason's point of view?
August 22, 2014
New Release: The Vampire's Pet, Episode 6: Broken
The Vampire's Pet, Episode 6: Broken is now available for purchase through Smashwords and Amazon.com. It should be available through Barnes & Noble and iBooks within about two weeks.This final episode in The Vampire's Pet Series contains a teaser for the next installment in the World of the Vampyr books. Please be aware that those who've signed up for my new releases mailing list get first crack at new stories.
Here's the description:
Duty bade me please them. Love made duty an easy burden.
Eric Logan has finally found the happiness he's always longed for. His wife, Gianna, is expecting their first child and his favorite, Jason, is at the top of his game. The three work toward becoming a real family and settle into a routine of school, work, and the pleasure of one.
Eric takes his responsibilities toward his new family seriously. Those who threaten his loved ones earn swift punishment and those who betray him quickly discover the nature of the beast within. As Eric learns and grows, he uses blood and cunning to cement alliances and strengthen his position among the Vampyr, readying himself and his family for the time when he will no longer be able to hold back the turn.
Actions have consequences, however, and even Eric is not immune to them. The happy life he and his companions are building faces the consequences of Eric's machinations, consequences that could be far more devastating than his imagination could ever dream.
August 12, 2014
News
While y'all are waiting for the release of the sixth and final installment of The Vampire's Pet Series, I thought now would be a good time to announce that I'm working with a cover designer for a series bundle. There will be two versions, an e-book and a paperback, each containing all six episodes. I might also be doing a giveaway of the print version on GoodReads to coincide with the release of the first part of Gianna's story, but please don't hold your breath waiting for it. That depends entirely on how long it takes me to finish Episode 6, get the print version formatted, and be approved by GoodReads for a giveaway.
I'm working with a really great cover designer and cannot wait to show y'all the cover she's made for the bundle and print versions. It's simple, gorgeous, and rich with color and innuendo. I'll do a cover reveal to show it off, probably about the same time that I announce the date for the entire bundle's release.
Don't forget that the individual prices for Episodes 3-6 will increase on or about 1 September 2014 to $2.99 each. (Episode 6 will still be released at $.99.) I haven't set a price yet for the bundled series, but it will definitely total less than $2.99 per episode for the e-version.
If all works out as it should, I hope to release the first part of Gianna's story at about the same time that the bundle for The Vampire's Pet Series is released. The first chapter is written. Part of it will go in the back of TVP, Episode 6 as a teaser, and I might put the entire first chapter in my newsletter for subscribers. (Haven't decided yet.)
So, look for these goodies coming some time next month, and don't forget that the final episode of TVP will be out late next week.
I'm working with a really great cover designer and cannot wait to show y'all the cover she's made for the bundle and print versions. It's simple, gorgeous, and rich with color and innuendo. I'll do a cover reveal to show it off, probably about the same time that I announce the date for the entire bundle's release.
Don't forget that the individual prices for Episodes 3-6 will increase on or about 1 September 2014 to $2.99 each. (Episode 6 will still be released at $.99.) I haven't set a price yet for the bundled series, but it will definitely total less than $2.99 per episode for the e-version.
If all works out as it should, I hope to release the first part of Gianna's story at about the same time that the bundle for The Vampire's Pet Series is released. The first chapter is written. Part of it will go in the back of TVP, Episode 6 as a teaser, and I might put the entire first chapter in my newsletter for subscribers. (Haven't decided yet.)
So, look for these goodies coming some time next month, and don't forget that the final episode of TVP will be out late next week.
August 4, 2014
Small Continuity Issue in Episode 5
While preparing the first five episodes of The Vampire's Pet Series for bundling and printing (more news on that later this month and next month), I found a small continuity error in Chapter 5 regarding Jason's mental abilities. I've uploaded corrected versions to Amazon and Smashwords. If you purchased a copy of Episode 5 prior to 12:15 a.m. EDT today, I will be happy to e-mail you an updated version to replace the old one. Simply e-mail me at vrcumming@gmail.com with the e-mail address where you'd like to receive the file and a copy or image of your receipt (identifying information redacted). If you receive my newsletter, all you have to do is send me your e-mail address.
My sincerest apologies for this small error!
My sincerest apologies for this small error!
July 31, 2014
New Release: The Vampire's Pet, Episode 5: Vows
The Vampire's Pet, Episode 5: Vows is now available through Smashwords and Amazon.com. Here's a huge thank you and shout out to everyone who's following Eric's saga. I hope y'all enjoy this one!
***
In the few short months since becoming a vampire's blood slave, Eric Logan has grown from a lonely geek into a man on the verge of turning into a vampire himself. He's surrounded by the people he loves: Gianna Brady, his future bride and the woman who carries his child; Jason Bellmont, a college basketball player with the strength to outwit the cold man; Devin Hardinger, Eric's roster mate and lover; and Elizabet, the vampire whom Eric and Devin serve.
With an upcoming marriage to plan and a favorite to prepare, Eric has little time for anything else. Marco, Elizabet's favorite, has other ideas. After centuries of protecting his mistress, Marco is ready to die and needs a strong mind to continue his work once he's gone. Though Eric is too far along in the turn to become Elizabet's new favorite, his burgeoning strength makes him the perfect future ally, an alliance Marco is determined to foster, whether Eric wants him to or not.
Through marriage, friendship, and the blood bond, Eric, Gianna, and Jason forge a family and vow to protect one another against all threats, no matter what the price, and no matter what, or who, stands in their way.
July 30, 2014
Coming Soon: The Vampire's Pet, Episode 5: Vows
A quick heads up to let y'all know that The Vampire's Pet, Episode 5: Vows will be available for purchase by Friday, 1 August 2014 at midnight. Newsletter subscribers will be the first to know, and then I'll announce it here on the blog. Here's the description, for those of you waiting to hear what happens:In the few short months since becoming a vampire's blood slave, Eric Logan has grown from a lonely geek into a man on the verge of turning into a vampire himself. He's surrounded by the people he loves: Gianna Brady, his future bride and the woman who carries his child; Jason Bellmont, a college basketball player with the strength to outwit the cold man; Devin Hardinger, Eric's roster mate and lover; and Elizabet, the vampire whom Eric and Devin serve.
With an upcoming marriage to plan and a favorite to prepare, Eric has little time for anything else. Marco, Elizabet's favorite, has other ideas. After centuries of protecting his mistress, Marco is ready to die and needs a strong mind to continue his work once he's gone. Though Eric is too far along in the turn to become Elizabet's new favorite, his burgeoning strength makes him the perfect future ally, an alliance Marco is determined to foster, whether Eric wants him to or not.
Through marriage, friendship, and the blood bond, Eric, Gianna, and Jason forge a family and vow to protect one another against all threats, no matter what the price, and no matter what, or who, stands in their way.
July 29, 2014
And More News...
The Vampire's Pet, Episode 4:
The Cold Man
is now available through Barnes & Noble and iBooks.
I've uploaded Episode 1: A New Life to NoiseTrade. For those of you who would like to download this episode for free and don't have a Kindle (meaning, you're shopping somewhere other than Amazon), NoiseTrade is a good solution. You don't have to leave a tip, but you will be asked for your e-mail address in exchange for the download. The only use I'll put your e-addy to is to sign you up for my newsletter. You'll get a confirmation notice before you're actually subscribed, so if you don't want to receive the newsletter, simply ignore the confirmation e-mail.
I'm going to try to load Episode 5: Vows a day early. These titles are gradually taking longer and longer to appear in Amazon's store. (The last update took over 24 hours from the time of uploading to it appearing online, more than twice as long as it's supposed to take.) So, I have to upload earlier in order to meet the 1 August publication date.
News of Vows' release will go out first to my newsletter, so if you'd like to know as soon as it's released, feel free to sign up there instead of waiting for the announcement here. I only use the newsletter for major announcements, like new releases, so you'll never have to worry about being overloaded with e-mails from me. Also, I will never share your e-mail address with anyone else.
A lot of people who've purchased Episode 2: Entangled have gone on to purchase Episodes 3 and 4. Thank you so much for your support! I hope y'all enjoy the final two episodes in this series. Once The Vampire's Pet is complete, I'll begin working in earnest on Gianna's story. Hopefully, I can have it out in September about the same time as the bundled version of The Vampire's Pet Series comes out.
I've uploaded Episode 1: A New Life to NoiseTrade. For those of you who would like to download this episode for free and don't have a Kindle (meaning, you're shopping somewhere other than Amazon), NoiseTrade is a good solution. You don't have to leave a tip, but you will be asked for your e-mail address in exchange for the download. The only use I'll put your e-addy to is to sign you up for my newsletter. You'll get a confirmation notice before you're actually subscribed, so if you don't want to receive the newsletter, simply ignore the confirmation e-mail.
I'm going to try to load Episode 5: Vows a day early. These titles are gradually taking longer and longer to appear in Amazon's store. (The last update took over 24 hours from the time of uploading to it appearing online, more than twice as long as it's supposed to take.) So, I have to upload earlier in order to meet the 1 August publication date.
News of Vows' release will go out first to my newsletter, so if you'd like to know as soon as it's released, feel free to sign up there instead of waiting for the announcement here. I only use the newsletter for major announcements, like new releases, so you'll never have to worry about being overloaded with e-mails from me. Also, I will never share your e-mail address with anyone else.
A lot of people who've purchased Episode 2: Entangled have gone on to purchase Episodes 3 and 4. Thank you so much for your support! I hope y'all enjoy the final two episodes in this series. Once The Vampire's Pet is complete, I'll begin working in earnest on Gianna's story. Hopefully, I can have it out in September about the same time as the bundled version of The Vampire's Pet Series comes out.
July 22, 2014
News
A little bit of news for the week. The Vampire's Pet, Episode 1: A New Life is being featured on DigitalBookSpot. Y'all go check them out and see what other deals they're featuring. This is the first time I've advertised this series. Hopefully, it will go well.
I've begun work on Episode 5: Vows, and also, surprisingly enough, on Gianna's story. One thing I've learned as a writer: When you have an idea, run with it while it's fresh in your head. If I can work it into my schedule, I'll try to release Vows a little early. Gianna's story won't be out for a good long while yet (September, maybe?) and I still have no idea what form it will take.
I also wanted to give y'all a heads up on an upcoming price change to The Vampire's Pet series. The first episode will remain free for as long as I can keep it there. (Pretty much forever.) Likewise, Episode 2: Entangled, will remain at $.99. I will still release Episodes 5 and 6 at $.99 each, but once the series bundle is out (probably mid-September 2014), I'll raise the price on Episodes 3 - 6 to $2.99 each. I wanted to give everyone a chance to buy this series at the discount price before I bump the price to fall in line with other, similar stories (nearly all of which are priced at $2.99 per installment).
This isn't a money grab so much as a marketing gambit. For some reason, readers associate $.99 stories with a lower quality, which makes absolutely no sense to me, but there you go. There are a lot of readers who won't touch stories priced that low, so I'm trying to hit a good compromise.
For future series, the price might be higher as well, but I'll try really, really hard to find a way to offer loyal readers a chance to snag each new story at a low price. Y'all deserve a little love for subscribing to my newsletter and following my blog!
I've begun work on Episode 5: Vows, and also, surprisingly enough, on Gianna's story. One thing I've learned as a writer: When you have an idea, run with it while it's fresh in your head. If I can work it into my schedule, I'll try to release Vows a little early. Gianna's story won't be out for a good long while yet (September, maybe?) and I still have no idea what form it will take.
I also wanted to give y'all a heads up on an upcoming price change to The Vampire's Pet series. The first episode will remain free for as long as I can keep it there. (Pretty much forever.) Likewise, Episode 2: Entangled, will remain at $.99. I will still release Episodes 5 and 6 at $.99 each, but once the series bundle is out (probably mid-September 2014), I'll raise the price on Episodes 3 - 6 to $2.99 each. I wanted to give everyone a chance to buy this series at the discount price before I bump the price to fall in line with other, similar stories (nearly all of which are priced at $2.99 per installment).
This isn't a money grab so much as a marketing gambit. For some reason, readers associate $.99 stories with a lower quality, which makes absolutely no sense to me, but there you go. There are a lot of readers who won't touch stories priced that low, so I'm trying to hit a good compromise.
For future series, the price might be higher as well, but I'll try really, really hard to find a way to offer loyal readers a chance to snag each new story at a low price. Y'all deserve a little love for subscribing to my newsletter and following my blog!
